Ep 6. Woolen Mill Operator

In season 6 episode 6 of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe travels to a woolen mill in Michigan to explore the job of a woolen mill operator. The episode starts with Mike learning about the history of the mill and the process of turning wool into yarn. He then jumps right into the job and begins sorting and grading wool with experienced workers.

The wool sorting process is a dirty and tedious job, requiring long hours of standing and intense concentration. Despite the difficult work conditions, the workers take pride in their job and ensure that the wool is properly sorted for the next step in the process.

Next, Mike learns about carding, which involves combing the wool fibers and aligning them for spinning. This process is also physically demanding and requires a delicate touch to avoid damaging the wool. Mike tries his hand at carding and quickly realizes how difficult it can be to master.

After the wool is carded, it is then spun into yarn using a large spinning wheel. Mike observes as the wool is fed into the machine and spun into soft, luxurious yarn. The workers must constantly monitor the machine to ensure that it is running smoothly and make adjustments as needed.

Once the yarn is spun, it is dyed using natural dyes such as indigo, madder root, and logwood. Mike assists in the dyeing process and learns about the importance of using natural dyes to create high-quality, sustainable products.

Finally, the yarn is ready to be woven into fabric. Mike observes as the workers operate large looms to produce bolts of woolen fabric. The process is slow and requires a great deal of skill and patience, but the end result is a beautiful, durable, and sustainable product.

Throughout the episode, Mike highlights the importance of supporting small businesses and the craft of traditional manufacturing. He also emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and the impact of the textile industry on the environment.

Overall, this episode of Dirty Jobs offers a fascinating look into the world of woolen mills and the skilled workers who keep this centuries-old craft alive. It highlights the importance of preserving traditional manufacturing and using sustainable practices to create high-quality products.